ABSTRACT
A mobile outreach program is presented here as a response to the rapidly expanding demand for occupational therapy services in the field of developmental disabilities. Historical overview of Operation Outreach will include discussion of societal trends influencing the program as well as factual information specific to the Indiana University (IU) experience. Demand for increased productivity and efficiency with cost containment led to IU’s modified truck, housing a complete mobile adapted equipment laboratory, for convenient on-site evaluations and service of wheelchairs and custom designed positioning equipment. Operation Outreach was designed for the developmentally disabled to help address the needs of the whole person in his own environment, to enhance wellness, and to improve quality of life.
